Israel approves new defense complex at former UNRWA East Jerusalem headquarters

The government approves plans to establish a new IDF museum, enlistment office and an office for the defense minister at the site of UNRWA’s former headquarters near Ammunition Hill in East Jerusalem.

According to a joint statement from the Defense Ministry and the Jerusalem municipality, the new complex will be built on a roughly 36-dunam (9-acre) site and is intended to strengthen the defense establishment’s presence in Israel’s capital.

Defense Minister Israel Katz says the move is “a decision of sovereignty, Zionism and security,” arguing there is “nothing more symbolic or just” than establishing defense institutions “on the ruins of the UNRWA compound,” which he accuses of being tied to Hamas terror activity.

“In a place where an organization operated that became part of the machinery of terror and incitement against Israel, institutions will now be established that strengthen Jerusalem, the IDF, and the State of Israel,” Katz says, adding, “This is a clear message to all our enemies: we will continue to build, strengthen, and deepen our hold on Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel, from a position of strength.”

Israel began demolishing UNRWA’s East Jerusalem headquarters in January, following years of legislative measures against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, which Israel has long accused of colluding with Hamas and participating in terror activities, including the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The Defense Ministry signed an agreement with the Jerusalem municipality in December to establish new defense headquarters in the capital and relocate the military’s colleges to the city, among other moves.